Witchford Crime Rate

Witchford is a safe urban settlement in East Cambridgeshire, with a safety score of 85/100, which is higher than the UK average of 78. The overall crime rate is 63.6 per 1,000 people per year, significantly lower than the national average of 93.1. Property crime in the area stands at a rate of 26.5 per 1,000, which is also below the UK average of 32.9. These figures indicate a generally secure environment for the local population of approximately 2,908 residents. However, it is important to note that crime in Witchford has increased by 20.1% year-over-year. While the area remains safer than the national average, this rising trend, particularly in property-related offences, suggests a need for residents to be more proactive about their home security.

Crime Breakdown in Witchford

The crime profile of Witchford is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.6% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by 'other theft' at 21.1% and anti-social behaviour at 16.8%. While these are the most frequent categories, the overall property crime rate is 26.5 per 1,000 people, which is closer to the UK average of 32.9 than many other rural settlements.

Property-related crime in Witchford is particularly dominated by burglary, which makes up 10.8% of total reports, and vehicle crime at 2.7%. For residents, the 10.8% burglary rate is a significant factor to consider, as it is higher than in many comparable areas. The combined impact of theft and burglary means that homeowners should be particularly mindful of property security. While Witchford remains a safe area overall with a safety score of 85/100, the prevalence of property-related offences indicates that opportunistic crime is a persistent issue that requires proactive prevention.

Crime Trends in Witchford

Witchford is currently experiencing an upward trend in its crime data, with a 20.1% increase in total crimes over the last year. This increase is a significant shift for the local community. Monthly trend data from the past year shows a degree of volatility, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents reaching peaks of 7.9 in March 2025 and 6.5 in July and September 2025.

Despite these peaks, the crime rate has also shown periods of lower activity, such as 3.1 in April 2025 and 3.8 in November 2024 and February 2025. While the overall trend is increasing, it is important to note that Witchford remains much safer than the UK average. For residents and prospective homeowners, this rising trend suggests a need for increased vigilance and a focus on proactive security measures to reverse the current trajectory and maintain the area's high safety standards.

How To Keep Safe in Witchford

The most common crime type in Witchford is violence and sexual offences. While the overall crime rate is low, it is important to take practical steps to ensure personal safety and maintain the village's high safety standards.

To stay safe in Witchford, consider the following advice:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
2. If you are out late, try to walk with friends or ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
3. Report any incidents of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local police; early reporting can help prevent minor issues from escalating.
4. Secure your property, including outbuildings and vehicles, as the area has a notable rate of burglary and theft.
5. Consider joining or supporting a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about local safety issues and contribute to community security.

Crime Time Patterns in Witchford

Crime in Witchford displays distinct temporal patterns, with different offences peaking at different times of the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most prominent, accounting for 67% and 65% of all incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are most likely to occur during standard daylight hours when there is more movement in the area.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am) and night (12am - 6am), the nature of crime shifts significantly toward burglary. Burglary risk increases from 25% in the afternoon to 33% in the evening, reaching a peak of 45% during the night-time hours. Vehicle crime also peaks during the night at 15% of incidents. These patterns indicate that property-related risks are most acute during the overnight period, while theft is the primary concern throughout the day. Residents should ensure their properties and vehicles are securely locked, particularly during the late evening and early morning hours when the likelihood of a break-in is statistically at its highest.

In the local context, Witchford's safety profile is mixed compared to its neighbours. Its overall crime rate of 63.6 per 1,000 people is slightly higher than the nearby city of Ely, which records 61.0. It is significantly higher than Stretham (32.0) and the rural areas of Little Thetford and Coveney, both of which report zero crimes. For residents and those considering the area, Witchford offers a secure village environment but with a higher frequency of reported incidents than some of its immediate geographical peers. This data highlights Witchford as a more active area for police reports within the East Cambridgeshire local authority, particularly when compared to its most rural neighbours.

With a 20.1% increase in crime and a notable 10.8% burglary rate, Witchford residents should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and video doorbells are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. In an area where property crime is a significant factor, the goal should be to prevent these incidents from ever happening.

Proactive protection, powered by AI systems like scOS, offers a more effective solution. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond with lights and audio alerts, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Witchford homeowners, this means that even as local crime trends rise, their property is actively protected. Visible, professional-grade AI security acts as a powerful deterrent, ensuring that your home does not become an easy target for opportunistic crime in an increasingly active local landscape.